Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple yet indulgent — a nostalgic classic with a fragrant twist. The dumplings are light and pillowy, and the sauce is rich and buttery with deep caramel notes. It’s the kind of dessert I make when I want something homely, heartwarming, and quick to prepare with pantry staples.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 1/3 cups self-raising flour
1 tsp ground cardamom
40g butter, chilled, chopped
2 tbsp brown sugar
2/3 cup milk
Thickened cream, to serve

Golden Syrup Caramel Sauce
50g butter, chopped
1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup golden syrup

Directions

Step 1
To make the golden syrup caramel sauce, I place the butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, and 2 1/4 cups of cold water in a deep, heavy-based frying pan over low heat. I stir for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely, then increase the heat to medium and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, I remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2
I sift the self-raising flour and cardamom into a mixing bowl. Using my fingertips, I rub in the butter until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Then I stir in the brown sugar, make a well in the center, and pour in the milk. With a wooden spoon, I stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 3
I return the caramel sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Using two spoons, I carefully drop heaped tablespoons of the dumpling mixture into the hot syrup. I cover the pan tightly with a lid or two layers of foil, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed, light, and cooked through. The sauce should thicken beautifully.

Step 4
I serve the dumplings immediately in bowls, spooning over plenty of warm sauce and finishing with a generous dollop of thickened cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I replace the cardamom with cinnamon or mixed spice for a different flavor. I also like adding a touch of vanilla extract to the sauce for extra aroma. For a citrusy twist, I grate a little orange zest into the dumpling dough. When I want a lighter option, I serve them with vanilla yogurt instead of cream.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a microwave-safe dish and warm gently for 30–60 seconds, or reheat them on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. These dumplings are best enjoyed warm, as the sauce thickens when cold.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the dough up to an hour in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

I use ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice instead — they all work beautifully.

Can I use golden syrup substitute?

Yes, I can use honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Why are my dumplings dense?

Overmixing the dough can make the dumplings heavy. I stir gently just until the ingredients come together.

Can I cook the dumplings in a saucepan instead of a frying pan?

Yes, as long as the saucepan is deep and has a tight-fitting lid.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

I use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.

What can I serve with the dumplings besides cream?

I like serving them with custard, ice cream, or Greek yogurt for variety.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

I check if they’re puffed, soft, and no longer sticky inside when cut open.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, I use a little less brown sugar in the sauce or replace part of it with maple syrup for a milder sweetness.

Can I freeze golden syrup dumplings?

I can freeze them, but the texture is best when freshly made. If frozen, I thaw and reheat gently in the sauce.

Conclusion

I love how these golden syrup and cardamom dumplings turn simple ingredients into a comforting dessert that feels truly special. The warmth of the spice and the richness of the syrupy caramel make it a perfect treat for cozy nights in. Every spoonful brings the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and nostalgia.